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Definition 2 of 3

Definition

FIrst entered in the Hobson-Jobson, this is derived from a homophonic Hindi word. It simply means "preparation"

However, owing to its almost exclusive usage by the police in India it has come to mean "security arrangements by the local police / militia / mafia / political party"

It is now marked by an excess of men in vardhi, a paid audience / agitators, stupidly placed barricades and monstrous traffic jams,

In civil disobedience circles, the closely related phrase "Bandh or Bust" - a way of saying "Double or Nothing" - usually generates a robust police bandobast. The success of the bandh can be measured in part by the intensity of the bandobast.

Usage

The wedding of the CM's son saw a massive bandobast stalling traffic from MG Road to the airport. Several commuters committed suicide out of frustration.